Investigators believe there have been a number of unreported homophobic assaults in the Pearson Park area.

The number of attacks is not known, but police urged victims or other witnesses to come forward in confidence.

Humberside police community cohesion officer Ian Hodson said: "Victims or witnesses coming forward will benefit all of the gay community in Hull."

He said anyone wanting to give information could contact him in confidence on 0845 6060222 or through Fuel, a cafe-bar and nightclub popular with the city's gay community.

Brave decision

Vans Braddock-Mead, a manager at Fuel, said: "It is brave of Humberside Police to come out and say this is going on because it is not an issue which has been discussed openly in the city.

"They are saying there is no need to be frightened if you have been attacked and want to come forward and report it.

"I know people are afraid of the stigma attached to reporting something like this but Humberside Police have put specific resources into helping gay people and I would have total confidence in talking to them."